Free Private Melody by Altonya Washington

think,” he said. “I’ve got to head back tomorrow afternoon. If I sleep with you now, I’d tell my responsibilities to go to hell.”
    â€œWould that be such a bad thing?” She kept her eyes on the massage she applied to the bend of his elbow where his sleeve ended.
    â€œIt wouldn’t be bad at all.” He grinned, yet rolled his eyes. “Still more of a headache than I’d need if I put it off for too long.”
    Kianti’s mouth turned down, but she wouldn’t beg. Well…no more than she already had.
    â€œLook at me.” He flexed his hand lightly about her neck and waited. “Have dinner with me tonight.”
    â€œWhat shall I cook?” Her dark eyes were brilliant with expectancy then.
    Therin chuckled. “As much as I love your cooking, it’d be safer if we go out. Since this is your town, you pick the place.”
    Kianti accepted the invitation with a nod and curved her fingers into his collar. “Dress casual,” she said.
    â€œBe ready by seven.” He didn’t trust himself to kiss her again and simply brushed his thumb to her cheek before he left.
    San Diego, California~
    Former military liaison and decorated marine Shepard Yale had an unfailing reputation for being a no-nonsense, hard-as-nails leader. When Therin arrived at the corner café where he’d agreed to meet the retired general, he saw none of that spit-and-polish demeanor, but one that was more approachable. Therin assumed that becoming a grandparent definitely changed a person.
    The general nodded, a smile coming to his face when he noticed Therin. He stood with a fluid grace but his posture was straight as a rod. Retired or not, the man still held on to a bit of that spit and polish.
    â€œHope this isn’t too far out of the way, General,” Therin said as they shook hands. “I got the feeling you’d want to take this meeting privately.”
    â€œI thank you for your consideration, son.” Shepard Yale’s mouth turned into a smile that hinted at how impressed he was. “I’ve heard of your diplomacy anddiscretion. Happy to find those attributes to be true of you.”
    Therin nodded. “Thank you, sir.”
    â€œLocation’s not a problem,” the general said while reclaiming his seat at the table. “I live out in Marin now. My daughter and her family are visiting—they made a trip in to visit the Star Wars place.” He shrugged. “I came along for the ride so we’ve got a while to chat before I have to go back to meet them.”
    â€œWell, you must know how curious I was to hear that you’d called.” Therin tapped the shellacked surface of the table. “When I was an ambassador, we never had the chance to collaborate on any issues.”
    A waitress arrived for orders then. Once she left, General Yale studied the sunny view of the bay beyond the café’s windows. “A man’s issues can change with the onset of age,” he said.
    â€œAre you all right, sir?”
    The general chuckled. “I’m in good health, son. Sorry for getting too prophetic on you there. I was thinking about my being a grandfather now. Perhaps the most rewarding charge I’ve ever had in my life. I place it above all the pomp surrounding being a liaison and decorated general, above raising my own kids, even.” Something shadowed his vivid blue gaze. “I was so busy working to build my life. I devoted my time and talents to strengthening the country’s infrastructure, but ignored the most basic necessities—the education of our children.”
    The confusion, which had lightly shadowed Therin’s face for the better part of the visit, gradually cleared.
    â€œWatching my grandkids grow, I realize I want themto have it all or as close to getting it as they can come. Education is the foundation for making that happen.”
    â€œAgreed,” Therin said just as the